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Laser Marking Application Case: Color Marking on Aluminum

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2026-07-23

Laser Marking Application Case: Color Marking on Aluminum

Equipment Configuration: Chuangxin MFPT Series MOPA 60W Fiber Laser

Color marking on aluminum is different from stainless steel—bare aluminum cannot produce color marks, but anodized aluminum can achieve rich color effects with a MOPA laser. From color logos on mobile phone back covers to gradient patterns on high-end aluminum gifts, color marking on anodized aluminum is a very mature application in the 3C electronics industry.

I. Color Marking Principle

Color Marking on Anodized Aluminum

Anodized aluminum has a porous oxide film (Al₂O₃) on its surface. The heat from the MOPA laser changes the structure of this oxide film—under different laser parameters, the refractive index and thickness of the oxide film change, thereby presenting different colors.

Differences from stainless steel color marking:

  • Stainless steel color marking relies on “growing” a new oxide film (thin-film interference)
  • Anodized aluminum color marking relies on “changing” the structure of the existing oxide film (thermochromic effect)
  • The color saturation on aluminum is not as high as on stainless steel, but the colors are softer and more uniform

II. Equipment Configuration

Item Parameter
Laser Source Chuangxin MFPT Series MOPA Pulsed Fiber Laser (60W class)
Wavelength 1066±3nm
Repetition Rate 1-4000 kHz
Pulse Width Adjustment Range 2-500 ns
Peak Power Up to 10kW
Cooling Method Air-cooled

Why is MOPA indispensable?

Ordinary Q-switched fiber lasers (such as MFP-50W) can also produce colors on anodized aluminum, but the color range is narrow and stability is poor. MOPA’s independently adjustable frequency and pulse width are essential for achieving truly stable color effects.

III. Parameter Reference

The parameter window for color marking on anodized aluminum is relatively wide and easier to get started with than color marking on stainless steel.

Common Color Starting Parameters

Color Power Speed (mm/s) Frequency (kHz) Pulse Width (ns) Hatch Spacing (mm)
Black 30-50% 800-1500 60-100 100-200 0.03-0.05
Dark Gray 20-35% 1000-2000 80-120 100-200 0.03-0.05
Light Gold 40-60% 500-1000 40-60 80-150 0.02-0.04
Brown 50-70% 400-800 30-50 100-200 0.02-0.04
Blue-Gray 40-60% 600-1200 70-100 50-100 0.02-0.03
Purple 50-70% 500-1000 50-80 50-100 0.02-0.03

Key Point: When color marking on anodized aluminum, the color (natural color) of the anodized layer affects the final result. For example, a black anodized layer can only produce dark effects, while a silver or light-colored anodized layer offers richer color expression.

IV. Effect Characteristics

  • Color Range: Black, gray, gold, brown, blue-gray, purple, etc.
  • Saturation: Soft, uniform, with a slight metallic texture
  • Feel: Smooth, almost no tactile sensation
  • Wear Resistance: Good, color is formed within the oxide layer
  • Comparison with stainless steel: Stainless steel produces more vibrant colors; aluminum produces softer, more business-like colors

V. Precautions

  1. Anodized layer quality determines everything: The uniformity of oxide layer thickness, porosity, and dye quality directly affect the color marking result. High-quality anodizing processes are recommended
  2. Different anodized colors vary significantly: Silver anodized aluminum is the most suitable for color marking; black anodized aluminum can only produce dark tones; colored anodized aluminum (red, blue, etc.) will superimpose with the laser color
  3. Difference between MOPA and ordinary fiber lasers: Ordinary 50W Q-switched lasers can also produce colors on anodized aluminum, but MOPA offers a wider color range and better stability
  4. Batch consistency: Anodizing is a chemical process, and variations may exist between batches; parameters need to be reconfirmed when changing batches
  5. Not applicable to bare aluminum: Bare aluminum has no oxide layer and cannot produce color marks

    6. VI. Application Scenarios

    • Mobile phone / tablet back cover decorative logos
    • Laptop enclosure identification
    • High-end aluminum gift customization
    • Aluminum medal / souvenir color patterns
    • Automotive interior aluminum part decorative identification
    • Consumer electronics product brand marking

    Summary: Color marking on anodized aluminum is a mainstream application of the MOPA 60W laser in the 3C electronics field. Compared to color marking on stainless steel, it has a wider parameter window, is easier to get started with, and produces a softer, more business-like color style. The key is the quality of the anodized layer—good anodizing means good color marking.

    *The quality of anodized aluminum directly affects the color marking result. It is recommended to work with anodizing suppliers to ensure consistent oxide layer quality.*

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